Jeanne Newby
This is one of my favorite stories of the older homes in Webb City. Most of the time, we are disappointed when the older homes are left in disrepair, or something is removed, such as a front porch or an upper floor.
The owner of this particular home, at 304 N. Ball St., did just the opposite.
The original home was a single-story home. Owner L.J. Stevison added a second story – after he struck ore.
L.J. Stevison came to Webb City in 1886 and acquired a job as a pulley boy, pulling buckets of ore out of the mine. He made $1.50 per day, and within five years he had saved enough money to get married and start a mining operation of his own. He leased the 11th Hour Tract. A neighbor lady recalled the excitement of the day when Stevison rode into town at a fast gallop, stopped in front of the house and while running into the house shouted, “Hey Molly, we’ve struck it rich!”
He soon added the second story, and the home represented his success.
« »
The L.J. Stevison house is one of 29 in Webb City that have been marked with an informational plaque installed in front of them.
It is a project of the Webb City Area Genealogical Society and the Webb City Historical Society.
It’s appropriate, especially in 2026, to mark Webb City’s 150th year.
